Given the scarcity of QBs and the high demand for them by NFL teams, the discussion to date has focused on those teams that would be interested in trading up to three for Mariota. 

 

But what if Winston and Mariota are both off the board in the first two picks?

 

Of course, the Jaguars would have their choice of any NON QB they wanted at this point.  But Caldwell's interest in trading down isn't necessarily predicated upon having a QB on the board, and they could still benefit from extra picks, whether the trade down is for a QB hungry team or not.

 

If Mariota and Winston are off the board, there would likely be three primary targets for teams looking to move up:  Leonard Williams, White/Cooper, and the best edge rusher.  Here are the teams and their possible targets.

 

4.  Oakland

 

Why they would:

• To guarantee the target of their choice for second year QB Derek Carr, or
  
• To guarantee the front 7 defender of their choice to supplement Khalil Mack
  
• They are close enough to trade up a spot without it being cost prohibitive.
  

Why they wouldn't:

• They are just one pick below us.  All they have to do is sit there, and they still get, at worst, either Leonard Williams, whomever is left between Kevin White/Amari Cooper, or the 2nd best Edge Rusher to bookend with Khalil Mack
  
• They could use all of the picks they can get/can't afford to give up picks.
  
• This is another deep WR class. 
  

5.  Washington


 

Why they would
:

• To have their choice of defensive player, most likely, an edge rusher (3-4 OLB) to replace Orakpo.
  
  
• Team has been willing to move up in the past
  
  

Why they wouldn't:

• Possible, even likely the best pass rusher will still be on the board at 5.
  
  
• If not, then there are supposedly other comparable edge rushers that will still be on the board who would fit the bill.
  
  
• May not be in the mood to trade up given they just got out of paying for the RG III trade.
  
  
• Might even be interested in a T.
  
  

6.  N.Y. Jets


 

Why they would:

• They added a big, still fast, and experienced WR in Brandon Marshall to team with Decker, so WR likely would be out.  They have three very good DL/DT types, so it likely would not be Leonard Williams, but you can't have too many pass rushers.
  
  
• A franchise that has proven willing to make a splash by trading up
  
  

Why they wouldn't:

• They could still get an edge rusher if they stand pat
  
  

7.  Chicago


 

Why they would:

• They are transitioning to a 3-4 scheme and need help all over the defense.
  
  
• Need a replacement for Brandon Marshall, whom they dealt to the Jets.
  
  

Why they wouldn't:

• Typically does not move up in the draft
  
  
• strong possibility they can get a good pass rusher standing pat.  If the guy they want is taken, they could stock the front 7 with a NT like Danny Shelton, even though you could argue their DL is stocked for the 3 man front with their drafting two DTs high last year, signing DL Ray McDonald from the 49ers, and this being an insanely deep NT class, which would theoretically preclude them from trading up for Leonard Williams.
  
  
• If Cooper or White are left on the board, they would have their replacement for Marshall without moving.
  
  

8.  Atlanta


 

Why they would:

• They have a pressing need for a pass rushing DE-arguably the biggest need for a DE in the league.  In fact, Dan Quinn is bringing the Seattle scheme to Atlanta, just like Bradley brought to Jacksonville, so they will need a LEO and an Otto.  They could make a move for their version of Red Bryant/Michael Bennett in going after Leonard Williams.
  
  
• They are in a position where though there are plenty of DE/LEO types, they have a higher risk of losing their choice if they stand pat.
  
  
• Their Front office is familiar with Caldwell, and presumably has a good relationship with him.  Might be more open to dealing with him.
  
  

Why they wouldn't:


 

• Once again, the depth of the DE/LEO position here gives some incentive for them to stand pat.
  
  
• getting 5 picks away, the cost of moving up goes higher.
  
  
• Has a little less ammo with which to move up after being docked a 5th round pick for piping in crowd noise.
  
  

9.  New York Giants


 

Why they would:

• When the Giants were winning Super Bowls not too long ago, they had pass rushers as far as the eye could see:  JPP, Strahan, Tuck.  Now?  Not so much.  But they are at the point in the draft where the DEs start to run out.
  
  
• This is another team that has shown a willingness to move up.
  
  
• They might be interested in a T to further bolster the OL.
  
  

Why they wouldn't:


 

• Cost
  
  
• Likely wouldn't go after a WR, but the remainder of Cooper/White could be there
  
  
• Might be more interested in taking a Tackle.  They may have their pick of the T crop at this point.
  
  

10.  St. Louis

 

Why they would:

• It seems like an eternity since the Greatest Show on Turf lit up scoreboards.  Since then, they have had a huge need at WR.  They lost out on Blackmon, and tried to address receiver at different stages, but no true #1 guy is on their roster.  Moving to three would guarantee them their choice of guys.
  
• T may still be a consideration since they have released Jake Long and have not re-signed Barksdale
  
• If any team can afford it, they can after having three years of truckloads of picks in the aftermath of the RG III trade.
  

Why they wouldn't:

• Fisher's teams have long thrived with pedestrian receivers
  
• Could stay at 10 and land the remnant of Cooper/White.  If receiver is a target, at 10 Devante Parker might come into play though at that point, Cleveland, New Orleans, and to a lesser degree Minnesota comes into play.
  

12.  Cleveland


 

Why they would:

• have a desperate need at WR after Josh Gordon's repeated suspensions, their trading out of the #4 spot and giving up Sammy Watkins, and not taking advantage of the considerable WR depth last year at all.
  
  
• They have the ammo to trade up
  
  

Why they wouldn't:


 

• If WR is a priority, this is another deep draft class.  They could stay at 12 and possibly land the remnant of Cooper/White, or land Parker at 12, or at the very least wait until 19 and take a receiver there.
  
  
• Their defense, thought to be a strength going into last year, was a disappointment.  They lost Buster Skrine, a very good CB, and Justin Gilbert was the subject of bust talk and was last seen partying with Manziel.  They could use those two first round picks to bolster the defense.
  
  
• At this point int he draft, moving up to three becomes really expensive.
  
  

13.  New Orleans

 

Why they would:

• The Saints GM said after making the Graham trade that the Saints need to restock their defense.
  
• They have the ammo to move up
  
• They are at a spot in the draft where they could miss out on the DE/OLBs
  

Why they wouldn't:

 

• Cost
  
• the depth of the DT/NT position in this draft is amazing.  They could bolster their 3 man line with guys like Goldman or Brown nicely without moving up.  Maybe if Gregory slips due to the positive drug test, they could take a chance on him at 13, or Bud Dupree, or if Minnesota somehow lets him slip by, 13 would be a great spot for a guy like Trae Waynes.
  

Bottom line:  The Jaguars prospects for trading down are greatly diminished if teams view these DE/OLB/Edge rushers as largely interchangeable.  If both QBs are off the board at 3, somebody will have to fall in love with a prospect for Jacksonville to get a decent trade down package.

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